If youre planning to restore a classic or vintage motorcycle, then you may want to be prepared for it. You have to remember that classic motorcycle restoration requires a lot of work. In fact, it requires a lot of work and time that few riders actually complete the entire project.
So, here are some tips about motorcycle restoration and also some thoughts on how to do it properly.
The first thing that you need to do is to start finding a machine. Try to get some advice from people who have actually fully restored motorcycles before. If you can, try joining a vintage motorcycle club with a lot of members. You also have to know how much restoration you want. And, always keep in mind that buying a basket case of parts is not a good idea because in most cases, these parts are leftovers of what another restorer gave up.
The second thing that you need to think about is the workshop. Try to use what you have but always make sure that the workshop is warm and dry. You also have to have a good workbench with a strong vise, which will enable you to work with the motorcycle properly. Your workshop should also have adequate lighting and it should also have handy electrical outlets located in areas where you need it most. You also have to take inventory of existing tools. Remove anything that may cause damage to the motorcycle during the restoration process.
You also have to plan the entire project. This means that you may want to take detailed pictures of your bike before you start the strip down process. This will help you remember where all the parts go when its time for you to put the bike back together again. It is also important that you should thoroughly examine the bike in order for you to determine what needs to be done. You should also try assigning boxes to the major components you disassemble. This will keep things organized and prevent confusion.
For the engine, you may want to remember that special procedures are required to free everything up. When you dont have any experience with engines much more in rebuilding them, you should leave the engine rebuild to the professionals.
Carburetor and exhaust systems suffer the most wear. This is why you should consider replacing them. When you do, make sure that you bring the old unit with you in order for you to get the right replacement part. Make sure that the muffler system is solidly mounted and that there are no leaks present.
These are some of the things that will help you get started when you are learning about motorcycle restoration. By applying these tips, you can be sure that the entire project will go smoothly. Although motorcycle restoration is a fun hobby, you have to remember that there are times where you may find it difficult to complete the project. With dedication and patience, you will be able to complete the project and really have something that you can be proud of.